It has been about 15 years since I came to America. Now that I am in my 40s and approaching my 50s, I find myself pondering this question.

"Is it right to continue living in America, or is it better to return to Korea?"

When I was younger, the answer was simple. I came to America to earn money and seize opportunities. I learned English, started a business, worked at a job, bought a house, and raised children. In the whirlwind of life, 20 or 30 years have passed.

However, as I age, my thoughts begin to change. I start to notice the comforts of living in Korea. Making hospital appointments is easy, and the healthcare system is good. Public transportation is world-class. Food delivery is available even in the early morning, and administrative services are surprisingly fast. In the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, with just a smartphone, almost all aspects of life are manageable.

On the other hand, in America, just making an appointment to see a doctor can be stressful. Emergency room costs are frightening, and insurance is complicated. Many cities are difficult to navigate without a car.

Interestingly, many people who have lived in America for a long time ultimately find it hard to return completely to Korea.

The reason is simple.

People generally want to live in familiar places.

I sometimes think about the history of Japanese immigration.

After World War II, Japan was in ruins. There was little to eat and jobs were scarce. Many Japanese people immigrated to Brazil in search of a better future. At that time, Brazil was seen as a promising agricultural nation, and the Japanese government encouraged immigration.

However, decades later, the situation changed completely.

Japan grew to become the second-largest economy in the world. Companies like Sony, Toyota, and Panasonic dominated the global market. The standard of living for Japanese people rose dramatically.

At that point, Japanese immigrants living in Brazil began to question their choices.

"Should we return to Japan now?"

In fact, many Japanese-Brazilians did return to Japan. But they faced an unexpected reality.

Though they looked Japanese, their culture was Brazilian. In Japan, they were treated as foreigners, while in Brazil, they were identified as Japanese.

As a result, many experienced an identity crisis between Japan and Brazil.

I believe this story somewhat applies to Korean Americans today.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Koreans who came to America believed that it was a much better country than Korea. And it was true. At that time, America was a land of overwhelming economic power and opportunity.

But now, the situation has changed significantly.

Korea has become a developed country with one of the top 10 economies in the world. Its healthcare system, internet infrastructure, public safety, and public transportation often surpass those of America.

As a result, Korean Americans sometimes feel uncertain.

"Do I really need to continue living in America?"

However, when they actually consider returning to Korea, new dilemmas arise.

Those who have lived in America for a long time have become accustomed to American ways of thinking.

Korea is convenient, but there is a lot of social interference. There are societal expectations based on age.

In contrast, America has many inconveniences, but people are less concerned about others' lives. There is a positive form of indifference. No one pays much attention to what clothes you wear or how you live your life.

People who have lived in America for a long time tend to value this freedom more than they realize.

This is especially true for those approaching retirement.

Korea's strengths lie in convenience and healthcare systems. America's strengths are personal freedom and familiarity.

Ultimately, it is difficult to definitively say which country is better.

Just like the Japanese immigrants in Brazil, Korean Americans will find themselves grappling with similar questions over time.

Korea is comfortable, while America feels familiar.

Korea is efficient, while America is free.

Korea is fast, while America is laid-back.

The answer will vary for each person.

However, one thing is clear.

When we were young, we moved for money and opportunities, but as we age, we ultimately seek the place where we can breathe most comfortably.

That place could be Seoul, San Antonio, or Los Angeles.

Perhaps what matters is not which country is better, but where I can live most authentically.